Would an appreciate a little info on 4” pre model 29

[Shootsomething]

I picked this revolver up a couple of weeks ago, love it. 5-screw, 55-56?? I know the grips are not correct, but they are cool. I assume it should have a set of cokes. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Muley Gil]

That's a nice revolver. It's a shame it was reblued.

 

[Hawg Rider]

You acquired a very nice and desirable 4" 5-screw .44 Magnum (ca. 1956-57), but I have to agree that it looks like it was refinished. Yes, it would have originally shipped with oversize target diamond center (Coke Bottle) stocks, but the stocks that are on it now are extremely nice- some Forum members may be able to identify the maker (Roper, Griffin & Howe?). Did the original presentation case come with the revolver? If so, that would increase the value quite a bit. Our Forum gurus should be along shortly to tell you more. Enjoy!

 

[quinn]

I really like those grips. The refinish looks nicely done though it does hurt the value somewhat. Still, a 5 screw, 4" gun is a hot commodity.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Neat gun! Pull the grips and show the inside. I believe they are Keith Brown's handiwork.

 

[CKPOMEH]

That's a nice revolver. It's a shame it was reblued.

How do you tell from those pictures? I am looking to learn all the tell signs, not arguing with you...The 44 magnum lettering may be a little thicker for those early guns but not much thicker than I have seem in the late 70s guns. Is that it, or you see more?

 

[mojave30cal]

The barrel is a different color from the frame.

 

[Model19man]

The barrel is a different color from the frame.

That and the polishing marks all over the revolver.

 

[CKPOMEH]

That and the polishing marks all over the revolver.

Sideplate's lettering looks thin. Could polishing be due to cleaning / removing small spots with brass wool (potentially). Again, looking to learn more here as I sometimes cannot tell (even have a couple that I am still wondering...)

 

[CKPOMEH]

The barrel is a different color from the frame.

yes, that closeup picture looks like that, but not the others. Plus I have seen original guns with slightly different barrel colors - was told that sometimes the barrel's color may change due to the heating. Again, not arguing here, just looking to learn....

 

[S&W ucla]

It's really difficult to tell from photos, but here's my long distance guess. Biggest tell is gap on sideplate because it was polished off the frame when reblued. Slight dishing of #5 screw hole. Above screw looks like pitting under the blue? Dust and grease? Maybe angle of pic but logo looks canted? Rounding of edges from polishing for reblue. Plum color is a term used for that purple tint, sometimes happens at factory but red flag to look closer. You can see barrel pins holding front sight on are different color, I've not seen that on factory blue. Not knocking your gun just answering your questions. Should be a great shooter and it'a 5-SCREW 4" PRE-29 with Gorgeous KEITH BROWN GRIPS!! NICE!!

 

[A10]

I don't have my SCSW with me, but the serial number looks to me to mark it as a first year gun. Not many 4" first years IIRC. That one might be worth a letter regardless of the reblue. Also, if you sent it off to get all scratched up by someone reputable it would negate the refinish devaluation. Of course, that would indeed cost a pretty penny!

 

[DARE]

Congrats on a very nice gun. Yes, it should have been shipped with Cokes. Your grips are beautiful. If Keith Brown made them, I think worth as much as Cokes. Have heard $500 or so for a nice pair of Cokes. If the guys can tell it is a refinish, probably not done at the factory. That does hurt the value some. Ship dates for the .44 Magnum are all over the place. Have seen guns with close numbers shipped a year apart. Have seen guns several thousand apart shipped the same day. There were not many 4-inch guns shipped in 1956. If yours is one that might add some value for some folks.
Here is my gun S 153063, very close to yours in number. It shipped December 14, 1956.